| The American Land Title Association (ALTA) is a | | | | detailed legal descriptions that might mention a |
| professional trade union that has helped establish | | | | suggestion for further investigation into a particular |
| conformity and quality among boundary land surveys in | | | | matter. |
| the USA. | | | | While a standard boundary survey may show the |
| What is an ALTA Survey? | | | | precise boundary lines between different parcels of |
| They are special boundary surveys that are | | | | land, it doesn't necessarily indicate any improvements |
| specifically used for land title insurance purposes. All | | | | that have been made to the land. Additionally, standard |
| ALTA surveys must meet the minimum requirements | | | | land surveys do not need to confirm to any minimum |
| as set out jointly by ALTA (American Land Title | | | | detail requirements unlike ALTA surveys. This intense |
| Association) and the American Congress on | | | | detail is essential for valuable commercial buildings. |
| Surveying and Mapping (ACSM). | | | | ALTA standards are applied to all surveys so that |
| ALTA surveys are very complex land surveys - much | | | | each one shows the same level of detail and |
| more detailed than standard land surveys - and can | | | | information. |
| take weeks to complete. | | | | ALTA surveys must include the names of the |
| What are they used for? | | | | affected parties, such as the buyer, lender, title |
| They are generally created for title companies, lenders | | | | company etc. Plus, the surveyor must work closely |
| and title insurance companies. The ALTA survey | | | | with the land title insurance company when creating |
| provides detailed information for the lender, buyer and | | | | the map to ensure that all the necessary details are |
| title insurer about the present and future situation of | | | | covered. |
| the land in question. | | | | How to get it? |
| They can cost thousands of dollars, and because of | | | | ALTA surveys can be very expensive and time |
| this they are usually only conducted on commercial | | | | consuming - but very worthwhile. To get one done you |
| properties that can't afford not to have the legal | | | | will need to contact a land surveyor that is a member |
| benefits of an ALTA survey. | | | | of the American Land Title Association (ALTA), as |
| If a buyer of property or land wants to apply for | | | | these are the only ones who are licensed to conduct |
| extended coverage owner's title policy then they must | | | | an ALTA survey. |
| provide the insurer with an ALTA survey so that | | | | There are several items of information you need to |
| standard exceptions can be deleted from their policy. | | | | have before getting a survey. Firstly, the land surveyor |
| This includes easements and claims of easements not | | | | will require the names of the parties to whom the |
| shown on public records and encroachments, overlaps, | | | | survey will be certified; next, a copy of the current title |
| boundary line disputes and other things that would not | | | | commitment (and supporting documentation); and finally, |
| be disclosed by a standard survey and inspection. | | | | a range of documents as agreed between you and |
| What does it show? | | | | the land surveyor regarding the terms of the real |
| ALTA surveys are the most detailed type of survey | | | | estate contract. |
| you can obtain and so they show a lot of different | | | | There are hundreds of land surveyors that can |
| information on the one map. | | | | conduct surveys across the USA, so it is easy to get |
| Surveys that conform to ALTA standards show | | | | hold of one. You can find them either on the internet, in |
| information that a standard land survey may not. This | | | | your local directory or by asking for a recommendation |
| includes: fences, trails, roads, utility lines as well as | | | | from friends or colleagues. |